The Gunners were identified as a “pub team” as they shot blanks and fell out of the FA Cup at Championship Nottingham Forest to a late stunner from Lewis Grabban. The massive 14-times champions of the competition saw their hopes of one more Champagne Wembley win shattered to pieces! They were not up to the mark at the City Ground, last Sunday failing to get a shot right on the target. Mikel Arteta was left annoyed at the sideline.
The Spaniard even lifted off left-back Nuno Tavares, creating his ninth start for the club, in the game’s 35th minute in an awkward substitution. Portuguese youngster Tavares was seen throwing away his gloves and ignoring the boss Arteta after Kieran Tierney replaced him.
Was the Action Enough to help Arsenal?
Even the strict action fell short to bring back Arselan into life as Forest won to make an East Midlands derby in the fourth segment at home to Leicester. Former Forest midfielder Roy Keane was quite unimpressed with Arsenal. He stated they seemed like Real Madrid because they appeared in a one-off white strip as a segment of the ‘no more red campaign’ but their display was similar to a pub team.
The boss’s decision on seven changes didn’t go well, with much-anticipated the 18-year old Charlie Patino not playing a fulfilling part on his debut. Eddie Nketiah captained the lineup front and bungled some of the visitor’s occasional openings.
Arsenal was without Granit Xhaka and Folarin Balogun as they tested positive for Covid and Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu missed out due to injuries.
A Forest Show All Total
Forest was dashing right from the beginning with star debuts from new signings. They played Steve Cook and Keinan Davis. The Canada star Richie Laryea from MLS side Toronto FC, on the sidelines watching!
The hosts created massive pressure on the visitors from the beginning, as Tavares’ smudged backpass to Leno resulted in a corner.
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